Jazz it up

These artists combine talent, energy and passion, which they deliver through their distinct style of music - hence their reputation as some of music's biggest names. And for the first time ever, this talented line-up of stars is set to perform at the Dubai Jazz Festival.

Many of Dubai's jazz lovers are undoubtedly looking forward to the events set from February 17 to 19. And if you're one of those fans, then you're going to be spoilt for choice, but it's not going to be easy narrowing down the list of your favourite performers.

So, do you want to watch the pioneers of London's acid-jazz scene, The Brand New Heavies? Or maybe you prefer David Gray and you're a proud owner of one of his albums. What about our personal favourite, James Morrison? If you want to watch them all and can't limit yourself to just three nights of jazz, then you're in luck, because you're being given the opportunity to enjoy nine nights of music - six of which will be complimentary thanks to the kind folks organising the jazz fest.

If you think you can fit it into your calendar, then all you need to do is register online (from tonight until February 16) at www.dubaijazzfest.com to enjoy six nights of sultry jazz tunes from the likes of Nils Wuelker, Randy Scott, Tim Bowman, Oli Silk, Gary Honor and many others.

For those who haven't been able to register, entry at the gate will cost you just Dh100 for the entire night, and that price is also inclusive of two free drinks.

As enticing as this may sound, I'm sure you're wondering, ‘What's the catch?' Well, there simply isn't one. Ticket prices are not too expensive, there won't be any hidden costs and there isn't a lack of seating.

If you're still not convinced about the seating arrangements, guests have been told that they are more than welcome to bring along their own chairs and bean bags for the event. Talk about sitting pretty!There will also be plenty of food and drink stalls to avoid having too many people lining up for refreshments. The only thing standing in the way of you and an incredible week of jazz with some of the genre's most popular heavies is… er, nothing really.

So quit wasting your time reading this article and head out to buy your ticket. After all, James Morrison awaits.

Concert details

Here's a detailed line-up of what to expect

February 11 8.30pm Gary Honor; 10pm Nils Wulker

February 12 8.30pm Tim Bowman; 10pm Nighthawks

February 13 8.30pm Randy Scott; 10pm Lutz Buchner

February 14 8.30pm Gregg Karukas; 10pm Mischa Schumann

February 15 8.30pm Cindy Bradley; 10pm Massoud Godemann

February 16 8.30pm Jaared; 10pm Gabriel Cobourg

Venue Dubai Media City Amphitheathre

Tickets Free admission online www.dubaijazzfest.com; or Dh100 including two drinks

February 17 6pm U-Nam; 7.30pm Charbel Rouhana; 9pm James Taylor Quartet; 10.30pm The Brand New Heavies

February 18 6pm Attila Molnar; 7.30pm Jane Monheit; 9pm Tizer; 10.30pm David Gray

February 19 6pm Marion Meadows; 7.30pm Laura Izibor; 9pm Brett Dennen; 10.30pm James Morrison

Tickets Dh275 (regular, one night); Dh575 (front seat, one night); Dh975 (VIP jazz tent with open bar, one night). No season tickets available. Contact 04 391 1196 for more information.